State Senate votes to let drivers avoid points

LANSING — The Michigan Senate voted Thursday to let motorists avoid having points added to their driving record for certain infractions if they pass a safety course.

The bill passed 27-9 and was sent to the House.

Motorists could avoid points only in some circumstances, usually for lower-level offenses such as speeding or running a red light. Each driver would be limited to just one chance to waive the points.

If motorists decide to take the computerized improvement class, it could cost no more than $100.

Backers of the legislation said Michigan courts are clogged with 150,000 cases a year where motorists contest traffic tickets. They said drivers also would avoid higher auto insurance costs if no points were assessed.

Sen. John Pappageorge, a Troy Republican who's sponsoring the bill, said studies have shown that drivers who take improvement courses are less likely to have another moving violation.

Opponents worried that letting people avoid points could make the roads more dangerous. Others had cost concerns.

One Republican and eight Democrats in the GOP-controlled Senate opposed the bill. They were Republican Randy Richardville of Monroe and Democrats Liz Brater of Ann Arbor, Irma Clark-Coleman of Detroit, Hansen Clarke of Detroit, Michael Prusi of Ishpeming, Michael Switalski of Roseville, Buzz Thomas of Detroit and Martha Scott of Highland Park.